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Surf Etiquette
THE GOLDEN RULES OF SURFING
The Basics
Line-up Vibes
Learning to surf is far more than simply starting a new sport and figuring out how to ride a wave. It’s about learning the culture, immersing yourself in the lifestyle, creating lifelong memories, and most importantly observe the correct surf etiquette while out surfing.
When surfers don’t follow the basic “rules” of surfing: accidents, misunderstandings, and injuries can happen.
Do try to stick by these unwritten rules, keep yourself out of trouble, and also fellow surfers. Enjoy your surfing and make unforgettable surfing memories.
Right of Way
The person closest to the peak of where a wave first starts breaking has what is called “priority”, or “right-of-way”. This fundamental rule tells us whose turn it is, and is a rule that all surfers around the world understand.
In other words, if you’re paddling for a right-hand wave, and a fellow surfer is on your left shoulder, you must give priority to that surfer who closest to the peak.
Don't Drop In
In surfing, the general rule is: “one surfer per wave”. In most cases you can’t have more than one person riding the same wave in the same direction, this is for both safety reasons and fun. No one wants to worry about bumping into another person and damaging their board, or hurting themselves.
When you break this “right-of-way’ rule, you’re ruining someone’s opportunity to surf the wave the way they wanted to surf it, and showing serious disrespect. You wouldn’t like it if it happened to you, so don’t do it to someone else.
Relax, and wait your turn. There will always be another wave.
Don't Snake
“snaking” refers to when someone paddles around one or more surfers to get closer to the peak and gain priority when it isn’t their turn. This is quite common, but is considered incredibly rude and disrespectful, especially in a crowded line-up.
You should sit with the crowd on your desired take off spot, and wait for your turn before shifting deeper. Be patient, there are enough waves for everyone!
Don't Hog the Waves
Even if you can paddle further outside than the other surfers, and are able to catch waves before than they can, don’t do it. People will quickly get annoyed and start dropping in on you every time you take off on a wave, causing things to descend onto chaos.
This is particularly common with longboarders, who are able to catch waves further out because of their larger boards. So, if you find yourself in this position, let a couple waves through so the others can also catch some waves and have fun.
Don't Get in the Way
Some common sense surf etiquette rules that people don’t seem to realize are important. Don’t paddle straight through the heart of the lineup where people are surfing. Paddle out through the channel where the waves aren’t breaking or take the whitewater hit or duck dive.
Sometimes you’ll just end up in a bad spot and won’t be able to paddle behind a surfer. It’s your responsibility to speed paddle to get over the wave and out of his or her way. If you don’t do this, he or she might just run you over!
Don’t Ditch Your Board
This is important, especially when it gets crowded. Always try to maintain control and contact with your board. Surfboards are large, heavy, and hard. If you let your board go flying around, it is going to eventually clock someone in the head. This means if you’re paddling out and a wall of whitewater is coming, you don’t have permission to just throw your board away and dive under. If you throw your board and there is someone paddling out behind you, there is going to be carnage.
Communicate What You Are Going To Do
If two surfers are sitting in the middle of a wave peak that opens to both sides (known as an A-frame), they should tell each other which way they are planning to go. This lets both surfers enjoy their ride without wasting what the wave has to offer, and without getting in each other’s way.
Respect the Beach and the Ocean
Never leave garbage on the sand or in the water, and try to give back to mother nature for all the hours of fun and joy she has given you.
Whenever possible, pick up any plastic bags, bottles, or other garbage you see on the beach when you finish your surf. Every little bit helps!
Respect the Locals
Keep in mind that the locals have grown up around these spots, and surf them every day, give them respect and follow the rules when visiting a new spot. If you keep things friendly, you’ll earn their respect in return, and everyone will have a better session. Don’t mob surf spots in large numbers, and don’t paddle straight to the outside. Take your time.
If you mess up
if you mess up and accidentally drop in or mess up someone’s wave, a quick apology is appreciated, and goes a long way to reducing tension in crowded lineups. Honestly, if you drop in on someone and then ignore them, it’s pretty rude.